Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
I mainly knit socks because they are quick(er) to knit, they are easy to fit and they don't take a lot of yarn/money to make a nice gift for myself or others. But I still wear a lot of store socks.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
I never met a sock yarn I didn't like.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
Astrid's Dutch Obsessions. Great prices, great selection. Even with shipping to USA the prices are very good. I have chosen the cheapest/longest shipping and found the yarn arrived a lot sooner than I thought it would. About 4 weeks. If you subscribe to her e-mail list she will tell you all about her sales.
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
Hands-down that would be Ridged Feather. I think I have made 4 or 5 sets of that now, and can't seem to do anything else lately.
Hope you USA folks have a terrific Thanksgiving. I am very thankful to be able to share my knitting with you, and I love reading about and seeing your beautiful socks!
Peace!
Susan
ZenKnit
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Sock Answers
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
Several years ago I was shopping in Target, and was puttering around the hoisery section looking for some warm chunky socks. While looking, I thought, "Hey, I can knit, why don't I make some?" and then immediately thought, "My god, spend all that time knitting just for a pair of socks???" and totally dismissed the idea. I never did find any delicious chunky socks, and wound up buying a set of thin boring socks that had holes a month later. That very evening I was at our knitter's circle, and the hostess showed us 2 pairs of hand-knit socks. I had never seen such fabulous socks. I was wowed. I was hooked. The next day I ran to the LYS, bought yarn, a pattern, and double points. Within a few weeks I had finished that pair and bought circular needles, and within a few months I had made socks for the whole family, more pairs for me, and started collecting a formidible stash of sock yarn that continues to grow. I love my homemade socks. They feel RIGHT on my feet, while other socks just feel tolerable. They are beautiful to look at and give me joy. I also like the portability of knitting socks. I can stuff the yarn into my pockets and knit on the socks as I travel, or whenever I have a few spare seconds. That's one thing I like in particular about the circular needles, they are much more durable as a project than double points, which always fell out.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
I like anything that stripes. I'm always in search of better stripes. I have knitted more regia than anything else, possibly because it's affordable. Second to Regia would be Cascade Fixation. I had a Fixation fix a few years ago, but haven't knit it for a while. I really need to try Socks that Rock, I keep reading about it.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've ordered a lot from TheKnitter.com. The prices are very reasonable, the service excellent, and I'm a sucker for free shipping. I also have ordered from knitpicks.com.
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I really love how the basket rib weave knits up. I also like the mosaic socks, though I have yet to make a pair that really pleases me.
Valerie
http://knitikas.blogspot.com
Several years ago I was shopping in Target, and was puttering around the hoisery section looking for some warm chunky socks. While looking, I thought, "Hey, I can knit, why don't I make some?" and then immediately thought, "My god, spend all that time knitting just for a pair of socks???" and totally dismissed the idea. I never did find any delicious chunky socks, and wound up buying a set of thin boring socks that had holes a month later. That very evening I was at our knitter's circle, and the hostess showed us 2 pairs of hand-knit socks. I had never seen such fabulous socks. I was wowed. I was hooked. The next day I ran to the LYS, bought yarn, a pattern, and double points. Within a few weeks I had finished that pair and bought circular needles, and within a few months I had made socks for the whole family, more pairs for me, and started collecting a formidible stash of sock yarn that continues to grow. I love my homemade socks. They feel RIGHT on my feet, while other socks just feel tolerable. They are beautiful to look at and give me joy. I also like the portability of knitting socks. I can stuff the yarn into my pockets and knit on the socks as I travel, or whenever I have a few spare seconds. That's one thing I like in particular about the circular needles, they are much more durable as a project than double points, which always fell out.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
I like anything that stripes. I'm always in search of better stripes. I have knitted more regia than anything else, possibly because it's affordable. Second to Regia would be Cascade Fixation. I had a Fixation fix a few years ago, but haven't knit it for a while. I really need to try Socks that Rock, I keep reading about it.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've ordered a lot from TheKnitter.com. The prices are very reasonable, the service excellent, and I'm a sucker for free shipping. I also have ordered from knitpicks.com.
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I really love how the basket rib weave knits up. I also like the mosaic socks, though I have yet to make a pair that really pleases me.
Valerie
http://knitikas.blogspot.com
Monica's Chevron Socks
I have finally finished the socks I was making for my sister. I used the Chevron pattern with 77 stitches, they are knit in Opal Dreamcatcher (I don't remember the color#, sorry). I was trying to make them identical but there seems to have been a glitch in the dyeing process, so they aren't. They do match on the legs though. I like them and I hope Monica will too.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Socktacular!
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
Why knit a sweater or bake a cake? I think it's the same principle. You have to enjoy the process. Overall, I am a product knitter. I knit in order to produce an item, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the process. Aside from that, it's all about the fabulous yarn and the excellent custom-fit!
What is your favorite sock yarn?
My favorite sock yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. LOVE this stuff. The density and texture are outstanding. It's superwash and wears well. The colors are intense and creative. Love love love! (A close runner-up is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Nice twist, great colors, wears well).
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
Tough question, since my favorite yarn (Socks that Rock) can only be bought online at www.bluemoonfiberarts.com I feel like I could never do without them:), however, for overall selection, price, and customer service I would have to go with www.simplysockyarn.com . And for Lorna's Laces, hands down, it's all about www.yarn-store.com . Even though Simply Sock Yarn stocks it too, they don't have the realtime stock meter of each colorway! I love that. Also, Angelika (of yarn-store.com) ships exceptionally fast. I'll order on a Friday and have it on Monday! (She just added two new exclusive colorways...I couldn't resist green apple:)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
So far my favorite pattern has been the basket weave rib. It's simple and looks fantastic. It works well with mostly solid yarn or hand-dyed.
Why knit a sweater or bake a cake? I think it's the same principle. You have to enjoy the process. Overall, I am a product knitter. I knit in order to produce an item, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the process. Aside from that, it's all about the fabulous yarn and the excellent custom-fit!
What is your favorite sock yarn?
My favorite sock yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. LOVE this stuff. The density and texture are outstanding. It's superwash and wears well. The colors are intense and creative. Love love love! (A close runner-up is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Nice twist, great colors, wears well).
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
Tough question, since my favorite yarn (Socks that Rock) can only be bought online at www.bluemoonfiberarts.com I feel like I could never do without them:), however, for overall selection, price, and customer service I would have to go with www.simplysockyarn.com . And for Lorna's Laces, hands down, it's all about www.yarn-store.com . Even though Simply Sock Yarn stocks it too, they don't have the realtime stock meter of each colorway! I love that. Also, Angelika (of yarn-store.com) ships exceptionally fast. I'll order on a Friday and have it on Monday! (She just added two new exclusive colorways...I couldn't resist green apple:)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
So far my favorite pattern has been the basket weave rib. It's simple and looks fantastic. It works well with mostly solid yarn or hand-dyed.
Sock questions
Oh, I can't resist the sock questions! Here are my thoughts:
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
For me knitting is more about process than product. Socks, like hats, are great fun to knit because compared to other knitted items they are quick to make, involve virtually no seaming and there is huge pleasure & satisfaction in seeing a complete, three-dimensional object 'grow' off the needles.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
There are so many but I might nominate a lovely cashmere blend that I had from Posh Yarn in the UK. The red dye comes off on my fingers but the yarn is so soft and luscious to work with.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've had quite a lot of things from Angel Yarns at http://www.angelyarns.com/ - very good for the Opal yarn range as well as their own hand-dyed, and I've already mentioned Posh Yarns for luxury blends: http://www.poshyarn.co.uk/
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I haven't made that many but I am slowly completing a pair of toe-up Beaded Rib socks (there's a nice photo in SKS, it's in the five-stitch-pattern section). I was on a steep learning curve with the provisional cast-on & hundreds of stitch markers on the heel and toe, but the beaded rib stitch pattern is lovely - not that hard to execute and looks really elaborate. I am nearly finished making these socks and I will proudly post a photo when they're done.
Rachel
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
For me knitting is more about process than product. Socks, like hats, are great fun to knit because compared to other knitted items they are quick to make, involve virtually no seaming and there is huge pleasure & satisfaction in seeing a complete, three-dimensional object 'grow' off the needles.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
There are so many but I might nominate a lovely cashmere blend that I had from Posh Yarn in the UK. The red dye comes off on my fingers but the yarn is so soft and luscious to work with.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've had quite a lot of things from Angel Yarns at http://www.angelyarns.com/ - very good for the Opal yarn range as well as their own hand-dyed, and I've already mentioned Posh Yarns for luxury blends: http://www.poshyarn.co.uk/
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I haven't made that many but I am slowly completing a pair of toe-up Beaded Rib socks (there's a nice photo in SKS, it's in the five-stitch-pattern section). I was on a steep learning curve with the provisional cast-on & hundreds of stitch markers on the heel and toe, but the beaded rib stitch pattern is lovely - not that hard to execute and looks really elaborate. I am nearly finished making these socks and I will proudly post a photo when they're done.
Rachel
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sock Answers
I'm game. Here are my sock answers:
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store? For the challenge of it. Something about the construction makes it so much more interesting than other knitting. And until I received my first pair of socks (in the Sock Wars contest), I had no idea about how wonderful handknit socks feel. They are Cleckheaton yarn in a wool/silk blend. Now I am a true believer. The rest of the socks I make may just be for me.
What is your favorite sock yarn? I like Lorna's Laces. I'm knitting with Lana Grossa right now, and the one finished sock is really soft and comfy. Claudia's Handpainted is also very nice.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? I've only ordered online from Knit Happens, which is one of my LYSes. I ordered Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Black Purl. But I actually saw someone knit up a Clapotis from the same yarn and colorway, so that sock yarn might not actually go into socks. (Horrors!)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS? I'm digging the chevron pattern in the Lana Grossa grey/black/white stripe right now, but I'm pretty much over striping yarn, so I'm going to move on from there. I love the Elongated Corded Rib, and may make another one of those. But I also have envied the Harebell Lace and Oriel patterns I've seen on the blog, so those are up next.
Looking forward to seeing everyone else's answers!
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store? For the challenge of it. Something about the construction makes it so much more interesting than other knitting. And until I received my first pair of socks (in the Sock Wars contest), I had no idea about how wonderful handknit socks feel. They are Cleckheaton yarn in a wool/silk blend. Now I am a true believer. The rest of the socks I make may just be for me.
What is your favorite sock yarn? I like Lorna's Laces. I'm knitting with Lana Grossa right now, and the one finished sock is really soft and comfy. Claudia's Handpainted is also very nice.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? I've only ordered online from Knit Happens, which is one of my LYSes. I ordered Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Black Purl. But I actually saw someone knit up a Clapotis from the same yarn and colorway, so that sock yarn might not actually go into socks. (Horrors!)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS? I'm digging the chevron pattern in the Lana Grossa grey/black/white stripe right now, but I'm pretty much over striping yarn, so I'm going to move on from there. I love the Elongated Corded Rib, and may make another one of those. But I also have envied the Harebell Lace and Oriel patterns I've seen on the blog, so those are up next.
Looking forward to seeing everyone else's answers!
One Elongated Corded Rib Sock Down
Thanks to four days away from home and all of the associated chores that go with home, I actually finished the first of my Elongated Corded Rib Socks. I had been feeling rather ambivalent about this pattern, and have decided that some of the ribbed sock varieties aren't the most flattering for my calves. But with the beautiful Socks That Rock Peaseblossom yarn, I ended up liking the end result:
Now it's on to Sock #2!
More on my blog
Deb
Now it's on to Sock #2!
More on my blog
Deb
I'm new
I'm new too sock knitting, my wonderful SP9 pal sent me this book to start this new obsession LOL...I'm going to choose my sock and i'll post back about what i'm going to make :)...I'm currently doing the Blueberry Waffle pattern ( found at knitting pattern central) in KnitPicks memories Rocky Mountain Dusk...but I messed up on the heel...I thought i'd try a short row heel...I forgot to do the wraps and now there are holes :(...i'm debating starting the heel over or keep going and sew up the holes after and remember to do it right for the 2nd sock LOL...I put it down for a bit and i'll start another from the book :)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Sock Questions
I'm a couple of days behind in posting the questions I promised, but I engaged myself in some insane lace knitting that has to be done by the end of November to wear to a holiday party. So not too much sock knitting going on right now. Here are the questions. Feel free to answer right here on the SKS blog and if you have any questions you'd like to add, let me know.
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
What is your favorite sock yarn?
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? (I'll add the answers here to the sidebar, so everyone can find them.)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I look forward to seeing your answers!
Hostess note:
Stariel, I need your email address in order to send an invitation to you. You can email me at the address in the sidebar. Thanks!
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
What is your favorite sock yarn?
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? (I'll add the answers here to the sidebar, so everyone can find them.)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I look forward to seeing your answers!
Hostess note:
Stariel, I need your email address in order to send an invitation to you. You can email me at the address in the sidebar. Thanks!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Elongated Corded Rib
I completed my Fail Safe Socks yesterday. I used the elongated corded rib pattern which works out quite nicely with variegated yarn.
Friday, November 10, 2006
More Sensational Knitted Socks
I am not sure where I heard about the book but there is a pre-order for it up on Amazon NAYYY. I don't know when it is supposed to come out and I hope it isn't going to take forever because I am already anxious for the next book. Now I just have to figure out how to add my name to the list on the sidebar because it's not there and I don't know what to do to get it there. More sock knitting to come in a few weeks. I have some really nice sock yarn I bought at the TTC Knitalong just before Halloween and it's crying out to be used.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Intro
Hello socksters!
I've been reading the blog for a while, and have been waiting to finish my most recent pair of socks before posting. These socks pictured were made toe-up from Big Print remnants I found in my stash. I didn't use a pattern from the SKS book, but I did use the yarn-over cable stitch found in there. I knit toe-up until I ran out of the yarn, and then knit a fairly chunky cuff to make the socks tall enough.
I am also in the middle of a pair of socks using Trekker yarn, a gift for my husband. These, too, I'm using my own pattern, but utilizing the basket-rib stitch from the book. This is a gorgeous stitch! I'll be sure to post pictures when they're done.
I knit one pair of socks using a pattern directly out of SKS. It was after struggling through errors in the version I have that I found this blog, because I was googling looking for support. I was glad to see the errata linked here!
These socks were knit from Knit Picks' Essential, using the mosaic sock pattern in SKS, and the crusader's check stitch. They're very fun to wear!
Nice to be a part of this blog. I loooove seeing every body's pictures. What a great collection of gorgeous socks!
Valerie
http://knitikas.blogspot.com
Another Newbie
Hi everyone,
I just joined and am thrilled to be here! I am making my second pair of socks from this wonderful book. I used it to learn how to knit socks, and am now a member of the Socks That Rock Club who makes socks on a regular basis.
My current pair from this book are "Elongated Corded Rib," which I am making with Socks that Rock Peaseblossom. They are looking lovely already, and it's a nice, easy, rhythmic pattern.
Looking forward to seeing everyone's socks!
Deb
http://rather-be.blogspot.com/
I just joined and am thrilled to be here! I am making my second pair of socks from this wonderful book. I used it to learn how to knit socks, and am now a member of the Socks That Rock Club who makes socks on a regular basis.
My current pair from this book are "Elongated Corded Rib," which I am making with Socks that Rock Peaseblossom. They are looking lovely already, and it's a nice, easy, rhythmic pattern.
Looking forward to seeing everyone's socks!
Deb
http://rather-be.blogspot.com/
Just Joined
My name is Rochelle. I just received my invite to join the KAL. I've already knit one pair of socks from this fantastic book but I will be doing more. I love this book and I can't wait for the sequel "More Sensational Knitted Socks" that is due out in the spring, I believe.
Hostess Notes
Hello there,
I just glanced at the archives and realized I've had the KAL blog going for nearly a year and I also realized I haven't been the best hostess, but I am vowing to change that. I have been looking at everyone's socks even if I haven't been commenting. A lot of really great socks you guys have been making! I have just finished some long overdue maintenance, meaning I've added people's names to the sidebar. If I missed you or if your information or blog is wrong, please let me know. If you asked for an invite and have not received one, please let me know because occasionally things do get lost or put in the wrong email folder.
I thought to get things started back on the blog, I'd come up with a few sock related questions for you. I'll do that sometime in the next few days, so if you have a question you'd like me to add to the list, just let me know either in the comments for this post or in an email. Thanks for being patient with me. I'm forgetful and I get easily overwhelmed with things.
Your Hostess,
Alison
I just glanced at the archives and realized I've had the KAL blog going for nearly a year and I also realized I haven't been the best hostess, but I am vowing to change that. I have been looking at everyone's socks even if I haven't been commenting. A lot of really great socks you guys have been making! I have just finished some long overdue maintenance, meaning I've added people's names to the sidebar. If I missed you or if your information or blog is wrong, please let me know. If you asked for an invite and have not received one, please let me know because occasionally things do get lost or put in the wrong email folder.
I thought to get things started back on the blog, I'd come up with a few sock related questions for you. I'll do that sometime in the next few days, so if you have a question you'd like me to add to the list, just let me know either in the comments for this post or in an email. Thanks for being patient with me. I'm forgetful and I get easily overwhelmed with things.
Your Hostess,
Alison
Monday, October 23, 2006
My First Sock Triumph!
Here it is, in all it's first sock glory!
It is finished, and I am so anxious to cast on for the second sock I can hardly see straight. What a rush! Thanks to everyone who helped in this crazy process, including my Secret Pal 9 and Charlene from Sensational Knitted Socks. Sock knitting is SOOOO worth it! I will pose with them on once I have a pair. (I couldn't seem to take a picture with the sock on without making my ankle look extremely fat. I will get help with The First Pair of Socks in Use photo shoot.) Will I be able to sleep tonight? Probably not! More knitting? Bring it on! And yea to Socktoberfest!
It is finished, and I am so anxious to cast on for the second sock I can hardly see straight. What a rush! Thanks to everyone who helped in this crazy process, including my Secret Pal 9 and Charlene from Sensational Knitted Socks. Sock knitting is SOOOO worth it! I will pose with them on once I have a pair. (I couldn't seem to take a picture with the sock on without making my ankle look extremely fat. I will get help with The First Pair of Socks in Use photo shoot.) Will I be able to sleep tonight? Probably not! More knitting? Bring it on! And yea to Socktoberfest!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
How Fantastic!
Thanks Charlene for responding to my question so quickly! I'm now knitting down the foot, looking forward to the toe. But I have another question. In the next section, on page 36, under Toe Shaping, it says Knit to marker. According to the section above, the markers were no longer needed, and I removed them. So do I need to place another marker somewhere? Sorry I keep asking all these questions. As I'm sure everyone has noticed, I am a brand new sock knitter and sometimes need things spelled out before I grasp the concept! Can't wait to post a pic of my finished sock!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
New & Needing Help!
Hi! I'm brand new to this KAL, and am so impressed with the socks I am seeing! I am presently working on my first sock ever, using the garter rib pattern. Things have been going fairly well until tonight. I am using 2 circulars. I am to the Foot point on page 36 where she tells me to rearrange stitches so that instep stitches are on needle 1 and sole stitches are on needle 2. How is this done? My working yarn is in the middle of my sole stitches at this point! Help!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Oriel Race
You're on Ginny! Here is my current SKS project, Oriel (in red) posing with a Child's French Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks:
It's a race, and I'm sorry to say Oriel is not winning... I like the pattern a lot so far (I have only completed 1 1/2 pattern repeats) but I chose to use Knitpicks Essential for the Oriel... and Lorna's Laces for the CFSs. So needless to say, the CFSs are winning...
It's a race, and I'm sorry to say Oriel is not winning... I like the pattern a lot so far (I have only completed 1 1/2 pattern repeats) but I chose to use Knitpicks Essential for the Oriel... and Lorna's Laces for the CFSs. So needless to say, the CFSs are winning...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
All Quiet on the SKS Front?
It's been quiet around here lately, so I thought I would at least post my next wannabe SKS creation.I'm using Lana Grossa Meilenweit and using the chevron pattern from the book. I did change to a ribbed cuff, since I wasn't crazy about the garter stitch cuff on the Welt Fantastics.
Getting close to the first heel, and I want to get them done for Socktoberfest. Anyone else participating?
I've decided to apply for law school, so I've been calling these my Law School Socks. Unfortunately as I'm studying for the LSAT, I'm learning I really should only do stockinette projects while trying to read.
How about a question for the group? Are there patterns in Sensational Knitted Socks that you have your eye on? Ones that are on your "Want to Knit" List? Any already on the needles? Share your progress shots.
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